A coalition of health, green, and transport groups has praised Richmond for adopting 20mph speed limits but argues the borough needs to do more to get people out of their cars.

The borough has been praised as to the best performing of all outer boroughs in the capital in tackling traffic and pollution, according to the Healthy Streets organisation.

However, it argues that much more needs to be done, such as rolling-out of controversial Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), more cycle paths and a greater use of Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ).

LTNs have become a controversial concept with some on the right of politics suggesting they are a sinister attempt to limit people's freedom of movement.

They sit alongside the creation of 20-minute neighbourhoods, which is the idea that people should be able to find most of their shopping and other needs within a 20 minute walk or cycle without resorting to a car. This philosophy is currently being incorporated into the planning systems of councils of all political persuasions.

LTNs have become a controversial concept with some on the right of politics suggesting they are a sinister attempt to limit people's freedom of movement.

Richmond Council's enthusiasm for 20mph speed limits has been controversial with some drivers, particularly as the borough has the highest car ownership per household in the capital. The Conservatives challenged 20mph limits at the local elections in May last year, however the party was all but wiped out and the party was left with just one councillor.

Healthy Living Streets said: "This year Richmond was acknowledged as the top 'Outer London borough performing better than expected based on housing density'."

It added: "A big highlight from Richmond is that it now has 100% 20mph coverage (up from 95% last year)."

But it argued much more needs to be done, saying: "Progress in other areas has been slow.

"There have been no new cycle tracks (though some are in progress -Strawberry Vale, or planned – Kew Road, Hospital Bridge Road) or LTNs (remaining at 13%), and only a slight increase in School Streets (at 21%), but current ones have poor enforcement."

The Healthy Streets organisation argues it is important for the health of Londoners to tackle traffic and pollution while boosting activity in an effort to improve health.

The group added: "Richmond was also one of three boroughs that did not provide us with the data we requested for CPZ mapping, so we've had to extrapolate their score from 2021 data. The borough's CPZ coverage final score is 38%, a little below best outer London borough Ealing on 47%.

The Healthy Streets organisation argues it is important for the health of Londoners to tackle traffic and pollution while boosting activity in an effort to improve health.

It said: "Thirty-eight per cent of adults and 66% of children in London do not have the recommended amounts of physical activity and nearly 40% of all children in London are overweight or obese.

"Childhood obesity is an especially difficult problem as it often leads to diabetes and high blood pressure, along with mental health problems.

"Walking and cycling are the main forms of exercise in the UK and are linked to lowering the Body Mass Index of both children and adults and leading to healthier and happier outcomes."